Al Ittihad tenders out in April

Road expansion and tunnel projects are set to go up for grabs, as the RTA looks to end Dubai-Sharjah traffic blues

Tenders for the US $190 million (AED700 million) expansion and redevelopment of Al Ittihad Road are set to open in early April. And the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has already drawn up a list of approved contractors for the project, which links Dubai and Sharjah. “We will not be approaching any contractors who are not already approved,” said Maitha Bin Adi, director of the roads department at the RTA. “We will be looking for a contractor who can deal with this type of project — companies can either bid alone or as a joint venture.” The project involves a series of new tunnels and bridges as well as the expansion of the 7.5km area from Sheikh Rashid Road in Al Garhoud towards the Al Shoula Intersection, connecting with Al Ittihad Road next to Dubai International Airport. The development will then continue on Al Ittihad Road until the Al Nahda Intersection at the border of Sharjah. A four-lane tunnel at the Dubai Airport intersection will be added; two tunnels will be added at Headquarters Roundabout (Galadari); a three-lane tunnel will be added at the Al Nahda Interchange; and a two-lane tunnel will be built to ease the traffic flow from Al Mamzar and Al Nahda to Dubai. A two-lane bridge from Al Garhoud towards the Clock Tower is also planned, along with a two-lane bridge to ease traffic flow from Sharjah, Al Nahda and Al Mamzar towards Dubai International Airport; and a three-lane bridge towards Al Waheeda and Deira from Al Nahda Street. The job will go to one main contractor. Construction is expected to begin within two months, and will take two years to complete. Contractors are also being invited to bid for a $245 million contract to build a highway linking Sharjah and Fujairah. The new road will be 70km long, and is designed to reduce traffic jams between the emirates.